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IN THE CORRIDORS I

An informal survey of delegations on ratification proceedings continued in the corridors and aisles on Friday. Out of 46 signatories, eight African countries and one Asian country expect to ratify the Convention within the next four months. Three developed and one developing country think they might ratify the Convention by year"s end. Thirteen delegates said that the necessary documentation is under preparation or has just been submitted for action. Three European countries are awaiting official translations and 15 countries have not begun the ratification process. Of the eight countries surveyed who have not yet signed the Convention, two expect to sign it "soon" and six hope to sign the Convention before INCD-7. Some non-African developing country delegates noted that due to the priority given to Africa, they might have some difficulty getting the Convention ratified in their countries since there is little, if any, donor interest in helping them develop and implement their national action plans.